Support for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 is reaching its final days, scheduled to end in mid-October this year. This move is part of Microsoft’s strategic push towards Windows 11, its latest operating system iteration. Despite the free upgrade option to Windows 11, many users, including approximately 32 million PCs in Germany alone, are still clinging to Windows 10. The reluctance to upgrade stems from the stringent hardware prerequisites for Windows 11, which a significant portion of existing devices fail to meet.
In a recent blog post that has since mysteriously disappeared from Microsoft’s official channels, the company outlined that Microsoft 365 apps will cease to be supported on Windows 10 after the October deadline. The post emphasized the necessity of transitioning to Windows 11 to continue using Microsoft 365 applications seamlessly. While the blog post vanished without a trace, the message it conveyed regarding the impending end of support for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 remains crystal clear.
Microsoft’s stance on this matter was further elucidated through an updated support page released in December. The company clarified that although Microsoft 365 apps would technically still operate on Windows 10 post-support, users might encounter performance and reliability issues over time. Hence, an upgrade to Windows 11 is strongly advised to align with the Modern Lifecycle Policy, ensuring optimal functionality and security of Microsoft 365 applications.
On the flip side, users with one-time license versions of Office products such as “Office Home & Student” or “Office Professional Plus” need not fret. These versions will continue to be fully supported on Windows 10 as long as they remain within their respective support timelines. However, it’s worth noting that support for Office 2016 and 2019 will also conclude alongside Windows 10, signaling a broader transition towards newer software environments.
As the clock ticks towards the October deadline, Windows 10 users relying on Microsoft 365 applications must weigh their options carefully. While functional continuity is promised post-support, the potential pitfalls of sticking with an outdated operating system could outweigh the convenience. Embracing the shift to Windows 11 not only guarantees ongoing support for Microsoft 365 but also unlocks a plethora of new features and enhancements tailored for modern computing needs.
In conclusion, the impending end of support for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 serves as a pivotal moment for users to reassess their operating system landscape. Microsoft’s nudging towards Windows 11 underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge experiences while ensuring the security and performance of its software ecosystem. By embracing this transition, users can stay ahead of the curve in today’s ever-evolving digital realm.